The Public Relations Student Society of America recently announced that it will be establishing a new chapter at Niagara University. The foremost organization for students interested in public relations and communications, PRSSA advocates rigorous academic standards for public relations education, the highest ethical principles, and diversity in the profession.

Joseph Sirianni, associate professor of communication and media studies, will serve as faculty advisor.

“I’m very excited to have a PRSSA chapter at Niagara,” he said. “Prior to this, our students established a public relations club which served them well, but being part of something bigger and more prestigious will be much more beneficial to them.”

Niagara students can earn either a B.A. in communication and media studies or a B.S. in marketing.

Sirianni teaches courses on media writing, and film and television studies. His research interests have included technology “mis-utilization,” nostalgia-based television, and LGBTQ+ studies. He holds an M.A. and Ph.D. in communication from the University at Buffalo SUNY and in 2019 was awarded the Niagara University Excellence in Teaching Award.

“It is a true honor to work with schools that recognize the importance of supporting students as they pursue future careers in PR, and Niagara University has proven that it has taken its role as an academic training ground very seriously,” said Michelle Eagan, APR, Fellow PRSA, 2023 PRSA chair. “We look forward to working closely with Niagara as PRSSA becomes an increasingly important presence in its community.”